The Favorites

by Layne Fargo

He’d been so worried about hurting me, but I hadn’t even noticed when I hurt him.

Sticking close would take me where I wanted to go. As long as I stayed a step behind.

But what do you care about more, Ms. Shaw—your performance or your pride?” I didn’t see why I should have to choose.

Heath had a bottomless pit inside him too, but it had nothing to do with ambition. No matter how much love I gave him, it would never be enough. He wanted to be everything to me, the way I was everything to him. And I would always want more.

We’ll do better next time.” I jerked away. He flinched like I’d struck him.

His love for me hadn’t been motivation enough to reach his full potential. His hatred, though? That made him capable of anything.

If only he wanted to win as much as he wanted you.”

It was as if I’d nearly summitted a mountain, only to tumble down right before reaching the top. And now I was standing at the base, staring up at that distant peak again. Could I really be crazy enough to consider another climb?

I went back to my room. Heath stayed with Bella until morning.

well thats sad as hell

Love like a steady, warming campfire that keeps you alive in the cold. Love like a raging blaze that burns down everything in its path until nothing but ash remains.

Heath and me, spinning away from each other one second, only to clutch each other close the next.